A vehicle battery charger and a vehicle battery charging system are described and illustrated, and can include a controller enabling a user to enter a time of day at which the vehicle battery charger or system begins and/or ends charging of the vehicle battery. The vehicle battery charger can be separate from the vehicle, can be at least partially integrated into the vehicle, can include a transmitter and/or a receiver capable of communication with a controller that is remote from the vehicle and vehicle charger, and can be controlled by a user or another party (e.g., a power utility) to control battery charging based upon a time of day, cost of power, or other factors.
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2. The vehicle charger of claim 1, wherein the second controller is configured to calculate the total cost of power delivered to the battery by calculating the total cost of power at each of a plurality of times during the current charging session and update the total cost of power delivered to the battery on the display based upon the total cost of power calculated at each of the plurality of times.
A vehicle charger system includes a first controller that manages power delivery to a vehicle battery and a second controller that calculates and displays the cost of power delivered during a charging session. The second controller determines the total cost of power delivered to the battery by calculating the cost at multiple intervals during the charging session. These calculations are based on real-time or time-of-use electricity pricing, which may vary depending on the time of day or other factors. The second controller updates the total cost displayed to the user in real time as the charging session progresses, allowing the user to monitor the financial impact of the charging process. This system provides transparency in charging costs, helping users make informed decisions about when and how to charge their vehicles to optimize expenses. The display may show cumulative cost, cost per unit of time, or other relevant financial metrics to assist the user in tracking spending. The system may also integrate with external data sources, such as utility pricing APIs, to ensure accurate and up-to-date cost calculations.
3. The vehicle charger of claim 1, wherein the second controller is further configured to receive a signal from the first controller and start or stop supply of power to the battery based at least in part upon the signal.
A vehicle charger system includes a first controller and a second controller that manage power delivery to a vehicle battery. The first controller monitors and regulates power flow, while the second controller controls the actual supply of power to the battery. The second controller is designed to receive signals from the first controller and adjust power delivery accordingly. When the first controller sends a signal indicating a need to start or stop power supply, the second controller responds by initiating or halting the flow of power to the battery. This ensures coordinated control between the two controllers, preventing overcharging or undercharging of the battery. The system is particularly useful in electric vehicles where precise power management is critical for battery longevity and performance. The second controller's ability to respond to signals from the first controller allows for dynamic adjustments based on real-time conditions, such as battery state, vehicle demand, or external power availability. This dual-controller approach enhances safety and efficiency in vehicle charging operations.
4. The vehicle charger of claim 1, wherein the second controller is further configured to receive a signal from a third controller remote from the vehicle charger and the battery and to start or stop supply of power to the battery based at least in part upon the signal.
A vehicle charger system includes a power supply unit connected to a battery and a first controller that manages charging operations. The system also includes a second controller that monitors and controls the charging process, ensuring safe and efficient power delivery to the battery. The second controller is capable of receiving a signal from a third controller, which is located remotely from both the vehicle charger and the battery. Based on this signal, the second controller can start or stop the supply of power to the battery. This remote control functionality allows for external systems, such as a central management system or a user interface, to influence the charging process. The system ensures that power delivery is responsive to external commands while maintaining safety and efficiency in charging operations. The remote signal can be used to initiate or halt charging based on factors such as user input, grid conditions, or energy management requirements. This design enhances flexibility and integration with broader energy management systems.
5. The vehicle charger of claim 4, further comprising a transmitter coupled to the second controller for communication with the third controller.
A vehicle charger system includes a charging station with a first controller that manages power delivery to a vehicle. The system also has a second controller that monitors and controls the charging process, including detecting faults and adjusting power levels. A transmitter is coupled to the second controller to enable communication with a third controller, which may be located in the vehicle or another external system. This communication allows for real-time data exchange, such as charging status, power adjustments, and fault notifications. The system ensures efficient and safe charging by coordinating between the charging station and the vehicle or external management system. The transmitter may use wireless or wired communication protocols to facilitate this interaction. The overall design improves charging reliability and user experience by integrating multiple control and monitoring functions.
6. The vehicle charger of claim 5, wherein the second controller is further configured to transmit, via the transmitter during the current charging session of the battery with the vehicle charger, the cost of power per unit of power to the third controller for display on a second display coupled to the third controller.
A vehicle charging system includes a charger with a controller that manages power delivery to a vehicle battery. The system also includes a second controller that communicates with a third controller, which is associated with a user interface. During a charging session, the second controller transmits real-time power cost data per unit of energy to the third controller, which then displays this information on a second display. This allows users to monitor the financial cost of charging as it occurs. The system may also include additional features such as power scheduling, load balancing, or cost optimization based on grid conditions or user preferences. The second controller may further adjust charging parameters in response to external signals, such as price fluctuations or grid demand. The display provides transparency in energy costs, enabling users to make informed decisions about charging times and durations. The system may be integrated into smart grids or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) networks, where bidirectional energy flow and dynamic pricing are supported. The invention improves user awareness of charging expenses while optimizing energy usage efficiency.
7. The vehicle charger of claim 5, wherein the second controller is further configured to transmit, via the transmitter during the current charging session of the battery with the vehicle charger, the total cost of power delivered to the battery to the third controller for display on a second display coupled to the third controller.
This invention relates to a vehicle charging system that provides real-time cost tracking during a battery charging session. The system includes a vehicle charger with a first controller that manages the charging process, a second controller that handles communication and cost calculation, and a third controller that interfaces with a user display. The second controller is configured to transmit the total cost of power delivered to the battery during the current charging session to the third controller, which then displays this information on a second display. This allows users to monitor the financial impact of their charging in real time. The system ensures accurate cost tracking by integrating power delivery data with pricing information, providing transparency and cost awareness during the charging process. The invention addresses the need for users to understand and manage charging expenses efficiently, particularly in scenarios where electricity costs vary dynamically or where multiple users share charging infrastructure. The solution enhances user experience by providing immediate feedback on charging costs, enabling better decision-making regarding energy consumption and budget management.
8. The vehicle charger of claim 5, wherein the second controller is further configured to transmit, via the transmitter during the current charging session of the battery with the vehicle charger, a level of charge of the battery upon the display.
This invention relates to vehicle charging systems, specifically focusing on improving user interaction during battery charging. The problem addressed is the lack of real-time charge level feedback for users while their vehicle is being charged, which can lead to inconvenience and uncertainty about charging progress. The system includes a vehicle charger with a first controller that manages the charging process and a second controller that handles user interface functions. The second controller is configured to display the current charge level of the battery on a display during the charging session. This provides users with immediate feedback on the battery's state of charge, allowing them to monitor progress without needing additional devices or manual checks. The display may be integrated into the charger or a separate device in communication with the charger. The system ensures that users can easily track charging status, enhancing convenience and confidence in the charging process. The invention may also include additional features such as charge scheduling, error notifications, and remote monitoring capabilities to further improve the user experience.
9. The vehicle charger of claim 1, wherein the second controller is further configured to change a supply of electric power to charge the battery during the current charging session by at least one of a group consisting of increasing a rate of charge of the battery, decreasing the rate of charge of the battery, starting battery charging, and stopping battery charging based at least in part upon the cost of power per unit of power.
This invention relates to a vehicle charger system designed to optimize battery charging based on real-time power cost data. The system addresses the problem of inefficient energy usage and high charging costs by dynamically adjusting the charging process in response to fluctuating electricity prices. The vehicle charger includes a first controller that manages the overall charging process and a second controller that monitors power costs. The second controller is configured to modify the power supply to the battery during a charging session by either increasing or decreasing the charging rate, starting or stopping the charging process, based on the cost of electricity per unit of power. This allows the system to take advantage of lower electricity rates while avoiding higher costs, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing charging expenses. The system may also incorporate additional controllers or sensors to further refine charging decisions based on factors such as battery state, grid conditions, or user preferences. The invention aims to provide a cost-effective and energy-efficient charging solution for electric vehicles by intelligently managing power consumption in real time.
10. The vehicle charger of claim 1, further comprising a user interface, wherein the second controller is configured to receive a time of day from the user interface and change a supply of electric power to charge the battery during the current charging session by at least one of a group consisting of increasing a rate of charge of the battery, decreasing the rate of charge of the battery, starting battery charging, and stopping battery charging based at least in part upon the time of day.
A vehicle charger system includes a power supply, a battery, and a controller that manages the charging process. The system is designed to optimize charging based on user preferences and external conditions. The controller adjusts the power supply to the battery by increasing or decreasing the charging rate, starting or stopping charging, depending on the time of day. A user interface allows the user to input a specific time of day, and the controller uses this input to modify the charging behavior during the current session. This feature enables users to schedule charging during off-peak hours, reduce energy costs, or align charging with renewable energy availability. The system may also integrate with external data sources, such as grid pricing or weather forecasts, to further optimize charging efficiency. The controller ensures safe and efficient charging by monitoring battery conditions and adjusting power delivery accordingly. This approach improves energy management, reduces costs, and enhances the overall charging experience for electric vehicles.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein calculating the total cost of power includes calculating the total cost of power delivered to the battery at each of a plurality of times during the current charging session and updating the total cost of power delivered to the battery on the display based upon the total cost of power calculated at each of the plurality of times.
This invention relates to a system for optimizing and monitoring the cost of electric vehicle (EV) battery charging. The problem addressed is the lack of real-time cost tracking during EV charging, which prevents users from making informed decisions about charging schedules and energy usage. The system calculates the total cost of power delivered to the battery at multiple time intervals during a charging session and updates the cost display in real time. This allows users to monitor how much they are spending on electricity as the battery charges, enabling cost-conscious charging decisions. The system may also incorporate dynamic pricing data, such as time-of-use rates or demand response signals, to provide cost-saving recommendations. By continuously updating the cost display, users can adjust charging behavior to minimize expenses, particularly during peak pricing periods. The invention improves upon existing charging systems by providing granular, time-resolved cost tracking, which is particularly useful in regions with variable electricity pricing. The method ensures transparency in energy costs and helps users optimize charging efficiency while reducing overall expenses.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmitting data, with the second controller, to the third controller via a transmitter coupled to the second controller.
A system and method for data transmission between controllers in a distributed control environment. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently relaying data between multiple controllers in a networked system, particularly where direct communication between all controllers is not feasible or optimal. The method involves a first controller receiving data from a sensor or other input device and processing the data. A second controller, in communication with the first controller, further processes the received data. The second controller then transmits the processed data to a third controller via a transmitter coupled to the second controller. The third controller may perform additional processing or use the data for control or monitoring purposes. The system ensures reliable data transfer between controllers, enabling coordinated operation in distributed control applications. The method may include error checking, data formatting, or other transmission protocols to ensure data integrity during transfer. The invention is applicable in industrial automation, smart infrastructure, or other systems requiring multi-controller coordination.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the data includes transmitting, during the current charging session of the battery with the vehicle charger, the cost of power per unit of power to the third controller for display on a second display coupled to the third controller.
This invention relates to a system for managing and displaying power costs during a vehicle battery charging session. The system addresses the problem of providing real-time cost information to users during charging, allowing them to monitor expenses and make informed decisions about charging duration or power usage. The system includes a vehicle charger, a first controller, a second controller, and a third controller. The first controller is configured to determine the cost of power per unit of power during the current charging session. The second controller is responsible for transmitting this cost data to the third controller. The third controller then displays the cost information on a second display, which is coupled to it. This ensures that users can see the real-time cost of charging their vehicle's battery, enabling better control over charging expenses. The method involves transmitting the cost data during the ongoing charging session, ensuring that the information is up-to-date and relevant. The system may also include additional features, such as adjusting charging parameters based on cost thresholds or user preferences, but the core functionality focuses on providing transparent cost information to the user. This helps users optimize charging behavior, reduce costs, and improve energy efficiency.
17. The method of claim 15, where transmitting the data incudes transmitting, during the current charging session of the battery with the vehicle charger, the total cost of power delivered to the battery to the third controller for display on a second display coupled to the third controller.
This invention relates to a system for managing and displaying energy consumption and cost data during a vehicle battery charging session. The system addresses the need for real-time monitoring of power delivery and associated costs to improve transparency and user awareness during electric vehicle (EV) charging. The method involves a vehicle charger that supplies power to a battery during a charging session. A first controller monitors the power delivered to the battery and calculates the total cost of the power delivered based on energy consumption and applicable pricing. This cost data is then transmitted to a third controller, which is separate from the vehicle and the charger. The third controller processes the received data and displays the total cost on a second display device connected to it. This allows users or operators to view the charging cost in real time, enhancing cost tracking and decision-making during the charging process. The system may also include a second controller that communicates with the first controller to facilitate data exchange and ensure accurate cost calculations. The invention improves user experience by providing clear, up-to-date financial information during charging.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the data includes transmitting a level of charge of the battery upon the display.
19. The method of claim 11, further comprising changing, with the second controller, a supply of electric power to charge the battery during the current charging session by at least one of a group consisting of increasing a rate of charge of the battery, decreasing the rate of charge of the battery, starting battery charging, and stopping battery charging based at least in part upon the cost of power per unit of power.
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March 18, 2022
November 29, 2022
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